With Means To Accommodate Window Accessory; E.g., Automobile-type Door Patents (Class 49/502)
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Patent number: 5765959Abstract: A structure for supporting a rotation member to an attached member is formed of a clip for rotationally supporting the rotation member to the attached member, and circular member. The clip includes a leg elastically engaging a hole in the attached member, a shaft part fixed to the leg and disposed in a hole of the rotation member for rotationally supporting the rotation member, and a stopping piece attached to the shaft part for preventing the rotation member from coming off from the shaft part. The circular member has a hole in which the shaft part of the clip is disposed, and an elastic pressing piece situated outside the hole. The circular member is disposed between the rotation member and the attached member to elastically press the rotation member to the stopping piece.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Mitsugu Shioda
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Patent number: 5762394Abstract: A vehicle door assembly according to the invention includes a structural framework, including a rear end for mounting a latch, a front end for mounting a hinge and a beam portion extending between the front and rear ends. An outer door panel is provided for mounting on the structural framework to provide the outer surface of the door assembly. A structural inner panel is provided for mounting on the structural framework and is of molded plastic and has a generally planar trim wall facing toward the occupant compartment and edge wall portions which extend transverse to the planar trim wall to thereby envelope the structural framework within the structural inner panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mark Stephen Salmonowicz, Carl Henry Visconti, Suresh Deepchand Shah, Harry Duane Miller
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Patent number: 5761851Abstract: A vehicle door is designed so that it contains no internal wiring, even though some of the door functions are electrically operated. In particular, a window operating motor can he positioned so that its electrical connections to the vehicle power supply are accessible from the hinge shut face of the door, without needing to enter into the interior cavity of the door.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David Biddlecombe
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Patent number: 5756167Abstract: A method of producing an elongated member having a main body portion and terminal portions extending form ends thereof includes bending an elongated strip between circumferential faces of first forming rolls and second forming rolls having parallel central rotational axes. The circumferential faces of the first forming rolls include annular main body portion bending sections that form the main body portion in the strip and adjacent transition portion bending sections that form adjacent transition portions in the strip, thereby forming an intermediate stage elongated member. The transition portions have a cross-section that changes continuously from the annular cross-section of the main body portion to a different cross-section of the terminal portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Hashimoto Forming Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Tamura, Toshio Ohkura, Yuko Kano
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Patent number: 5752346Abstract: A motor-vehicle door has generally upright inside and outside panels, a window frame above the panels, a track extending vertically between the panels into the frame, and a window glass vertically displaceable in the track between the panels. A latch assembly has a holder, an outside door handle in the holder, a door latch on an edge of the door between the panels, a connecting housing between the panels and having a U-section lower part fixed to the door latch and an upper part fixed to and carrying the holder for the outside handle with the handle on the outside door panel, and a link rod extending between the outside door handle and the door latch and laterally enclosed by the U-section lower part.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Kiekert AGInventors: Dietmar Kritzler, Michael Strathmann
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Patent number: 5749176Abstract: A motor vehicle door of the type having a door hollow (4) disposed between an inside wall and an outside wall (2, 3), electrical lines (11; 13; 15; 17), linkages (21) and/or Bowden cables (22) (altogether identified as supply lines below) being arranged in and with the door hollow. To accomplish that a forcible opening of the door from the outside by inserting tools, etc. into the door hollow is almost impossible, the supply lines (11; 13; 15; 17; 21; 22) are arranged on or in a support element (6; 20; 23) such that they are at least partially covered toward the outside wall (3) of the vehicle door (1; 100).Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Ymos Aktiengesellschaft IndustrieprodukteInventors: Gunther Heim, Thomas Uberreiter, Jurgen Hock, Holger Bischoff
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Patent number: 5735081Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide an improved structure of a sash of the side door for automobiles, wherein rigidity of the door sash, hence rigidity of the side door as a whole, is augmented without increase in weight of the door sash, and without causing hindrance to the surrounding view. Such structure is realized by the box-shaped transverse sectional part (45) provided over the entire length of the door sash (4, 4A, 4B, 4C), of which the size (w) in the breadthwise direction of the vehicle is gradually changed, thereby progressively reducing thickness (W) of the door sash (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) in the breadthwise direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventors: Takashi Yamanaka, Takuji Shimizu
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Patent number: 5716044Abstract: A vehicle door arrangement is provided including inner and outer panels. The inner panel has a through opening, a tubular grommet which is received in the opening and snap-fittingly secured to the inner panel, and a plurality of electrical conductors extending through the grommet. The through opening in the inner panel extends inwardly from a side edge of the inner panel. The inner panel has at least one ear extending transversely into the opening adjacent the side edge. The grommet is resilient and has a groove which extends inwardly from its outer periphery and whose outwardly facing bottom is shaped substantially complementary to the opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignees: General Motors Corporation, Saturn CorporationInventors: David Robert Peterson, Richard Allen White, Robert Louis Adduci, Timothy James Kline, Michael Allen Peters
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Patent number: 5715630Abstract: In a vehicle door with a cross-arm type window lift and a lock assembly, which can be produced more easily and cost-effectively by employing modular construction and by using individual components for several different functions. The invention is distinguished by the guide rail of the cross-arm window lift simultaneously functioning as the support for the lock assembly, by the guide for guiding the window being integrated in the base body of the lock assembly and by the outer edge of a base plate supporting a window lift having a circumferential profiled sealing section in the interior sheet metal door panel for sealing a mounting opening, so that the protection of electrical/electronic components is provided in the dry space without additional steps.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ferenc Szerdahelyi, Barry Edwards, Hans-Dieter Lieb, Rolf Heinemann, Horst Seiler, Eberhard Pleiss
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Patent number: 5707695Abstract: A bilaminate window glass assembly for an automotive vehicle includes at least one pane forming a window glass, a non-breakable frame disposed adjacent about at least a portion of a perimeter of the pane and a panel bonded to one side of the frame and the pane to form a bilaminate window glass.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1994Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Narayanan Ramanujam
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Patent number: 5702148Abstract: Providing a module and a method of installing the module to a vehicle having a window opening for a translational glass pane supported and guided by a glass run channel. The module is comprised of a one-piece surround molding fully surrounding and generally defining the perimeter of the window opening. A glass run channel is secured to the surround molding. Fasteners are attached to the surround molding and attach the module to a flange on the vehicle. A belt line outer seal and one or more gimp seals may also be attached to more fully integrate the module. The module is fully assembled prior to being attached to a vehicle during final assembly, the surround molding supporting the glass run channel rather than having the glass run channel attached to a flange of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: The Standard Products CompanyInventors: Robert A. Vaughan, Willard C. Christian, John P. Zimmer, James E. Mistopoulos
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Patent number: 5694719Abstract: A fastener system (210) for adjustably attaching or mounting an automotive vehicle window channel member or guide rail (214) to or upon an automotive vehicle inner door panel (212) so that the automotive vehicle window channel member or guide rail (214) can be disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the automotive vehicle inner door panel (212) includes a nut member (234) mounted upon the inner door panel (212), and a shaft or rod portion (264) of the window channel member or guide rail (214) is inserted through the nut member (234). A tubular fastener screw or bolt (224) is inserted over the shaft or rod portion (264) of the window channel member or guide rail (214) so as to also be inserted within the nut member (234).Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Daniel Carl Bejune, Marcus Edward Merideth
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Patent number: 5667868Abstract: A method of molding an outer body panel and attaching that outer panel to an inner supporting portion of a vehicle. The outer panel is made in a mold having a mold cavity and a plurality of passages extending outwardly from the cavity. During the molding process, ejector pins disposed within these passages are used to provide supplemental pressure within the mold cavity and prevent shrinkage. After the material within the mold has solidified, the mold is opened and the ejector pins are used to eject the outer panel from the mold. Locating members formed in the passages are used to locate and maintain the outer panel in a fixed relationship with respect to the inner supporting portion when they are assembled and bonded to one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: The Budd CompanyInventor: Richard Benjamin Freeman
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Patent number: 5647171Abstract: A window regulator system is provided for translating a window. The regulator includes at least one channel extending vertically in the door cavity for guiding the window; a blade connected to the channel and extending parallel to the major axis of the door cavity; a guide block fixed to the window and having a transverse alignment bearing with two generally noncompliant bearing lobes juxtaposed by the blade for aligning the window in a direction transverse to the major axis of the door cavity; and a spring button connected to the guide block and being of a generally hard polymeric material having a generally conical shape with an apex contacting the blade and a base compressed against the guide block for removing transverse compliance of the window within the alignment bearing.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1995Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Timothy Alan Wirsing, Alex Newton Draper
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Patent number: 5632121Abstract: An adjusting device for a door window pane of a motor vehicle, preferably made frameless and cooperating with a window lifter, includes at least one upright guide rail running inside a door body for the window lifter, with the guide rail being pivotable around an upper pivot point in the direction transverse to the vehicle and being lockable by the adjusting device engaging in the lower area of the guide rail in a position such that the door window pane abuts an adjoining sealing means in the car body with pretensioning in the marginal area. To permit rapid, simple adjustment of the door window pane without removing the door trim, provision is made such that the guide rail is adjustable by its lower end in the transverse direction with respect to the door window pane in a displacement guide and is lockable by fastening elements that are accessible from the underside of the door body.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventors: Horst Handte, Guenter Schaedlich, Helmut Eck, Andre Scholz
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Patent number: 5624150Abstract: A hinge fastening structure and method of creating a hinge to box-section pillar joint which includes a fastener extending from the pillar outer panel to the pillar inner panel wherein the fastener includes first and second threaded portions of substantially identical pitch but different diameters adjacent to the head and the tip thereof respectively. The fastening structure and method may also be applicable for attaching other forms of hardware to box-section structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1996Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Multimatic, Inc.Inventor: Fabio Venier
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Patent number: 5622005Abstract: An automotive door glass assembly which in a preferred embodiment includes an extendable door glass extendable from a door cavity and having a first bore and an edge surface; a shoe supporting the door glass having an alignment surface and a generally oblong longitudinal slot intersecting the first bore; a U-shaped cradle positioned adjacent the glass around the edge of the glass having a bore generally aligned with the first bore, the cradle also having a ledge and a surface in contact with the shoe alignment surface; a cam plate fitted within the first bore and the bore of the cradle, the cam plate having a head retained by the ledge of the cradle; a fastener eccentrically mounted in the cam plate and engaged therewith for permanently affixing the position of the glass with respect to the shoe; and a sleeve surrounding the threaded fastener and torsionally associated with the cam plate at a first end and at a second end having a torque receiving head to allow for adjustment of the glass with respect to theType: GrantFiled: November 6, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: James E. Ochenski, David M. Mooney
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Patent number: 5619820Abstract: Support apparatus for supporting a transparent bullet resistant panel on a door having no frame for its window includes channel elements for holding the transparent panel and support elements including brackets secured to the channel elements and disposed against the inside of the door and support elements extending downwardly within the door. Different embodiments of brackets are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1996Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Inventor: James R. Madden, Jr.
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Patent number: 5617675Abstract: A collapsible cable regulator assembly is provided, having a collapsible support structure wherein one or more swing arms are pivotably mounted to a lateral member. Cable guide means are provided for mounting a regulator cable, including a cable return at the free end of each of the swing arms. The collapsible support structure is openable from a collapsed condition in which each swing arm is at an acute angle to the lateral member, to an operating condition in which each swing arm is at an operating angle to the lateral member which is greater than the aforesaid acute angle. The cable regulator assembly in its collapsed condition has improved installation capability, being especially advantageous for installation through limited access openings. Once in proper location, the cable regulator assembly is opened to its operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.Inventor: Michael D. Kobrehel
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Patent number: 5617676Abstract: A motor-vehicle door has an outer skin and an inner skin fixed to the outer skin, forming therewith a cavity, and formed with a cutout. A mechanism holder is releasably secured in the cavity at the cutout. A latch is secured by a horizontally effective slide mount on the holder and can move via the mount horizontally on the holder and be fixed on the holder in any of a plurality of horizontally offset positions thereon. A detent engaged between the slide mount and the latch releasably secures the latch in one of the positions. The slide mount includes a pair of interfitting and horizontally extending rails respectively fixed to the holder and to the latch.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1996Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Kiekert AGInventors: Frank Kleefeldt, Damien Labonde, Klaus-Peter Reis
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Patent number: 5603548Abstract: An automotive vehicle door is provided having a first generally rigid outer structure; a second generally rigid inner structure spaced from the outer structure, the second inner structure having a guide opening; an interior trim panel connected to the second generally rigid inner structure; and a target having a first section generally adjacent the outer structure. A second section substantially smaller than the first section extends from the first section and has a cross-sectional area small enough for passage through the guide opening. Therefore, an impact on the outer door panel causes the target section to protrude inwardly through the inner structure opening, causing the trim panel to protrude inwardly.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Umesh N. Gandhi, Douglas J. Osmak, Mark E. Farmer, Patricia L. Harmon
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Patent number: 5595415Abstract: A twin-wall composite lining for automobiles is mounted between the structure of the door and an interior covering including an internal panel providing a seal. It comprises over at least part of its surface a twin-wall delimiting at least one integral volume or cavity used to implement one or more additional functions, including the provision of ducting for air from an air conditioner or electrical cables. Applications include lining automobile doors.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: Plasto SAInventor: Bernard Beaulat
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Patent number: 5588260Abstract: A waterproof grommet (16) through which a wiring harness (14) passes is mounted on a side face (15) of an inner door panel (13) to which a door hinge is attached. The waterproof grommet (16) is made of an elastic substance and has a grommet body (17). The grommet body (17) through which the harness (14) passes is brought into contact with the side face (15). The grommet body (17) includes a mounting plate (18) for pressing and fastening the grommet body (17) to the side face (15). Because the elastic grommet body (17) is pressed and fastened to the side face (15) of the inner door panel (13) by the rigid mounting plate (18), the gap around the door can be sealed without additionally using a sealing member and, as a result, the number of constituent parts and the number of processes of arranging then can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Kansei CorporationInventors: Shigemichi Suzuki, Sadahisa Endo
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Patent number: 5584144Abstract: A motor vehicle door has a door main body made up by coupling an inner panel to a door panel and a door lining mounted on the inner panel. The inner panel is provided, in a recessed manner, with containing recessed portions for receiving therein various outfits to be mounted on the motor vehicle door. The inner panel is also integrally provided, in a projecting manner, with a pocket mounting base for fastening thereto a bottom portion of a pocket which is detachably attached to an armrest portion of the door lining.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaya Hisano
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Patent number: 5581947Abstract: A light-weight vehicle door including, in one form, outer and inner plastic panels bonded together with the inner panel molded with upright forward, aft and intermediate frame portions. The forward and aft frame portions providing opposed side walls formed with L-section mirror image window panel supporting rebates including co-planar fore and aft reveal flanges and parallel opposed fence flanges. An inverted U-shaped trim member having vertically extending leg sections with each leg section received in an associated rebate and defining, with a respective fence flange, opposed guide grooves slidably supporting a window panel. A manual window panel regulating mechanism mounted on a lower edge of the window panel having a regulator adapted for cooperative locking engagement with an intermediate frame portion holding the window panel in a partially or fully raised position.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: David J. Kowall, Delbert D. DeRees
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Patent number: 5581952Abstract: A mounting arrangement including a window actuator mounting bracket for mounting on a vehicle inner door panel. The inner door panel is formed to include rear and front pairs of openings having L-shaped slots extending therefrom. The mounting device, having one of the power window motor or manual actuator mounted thereon, has outwardly extending L-shaped mounting lugs formed thereon. Bolts are threadedly mounted through the latter for sliding cooperation with the L-shaped slots of the inner door panel prior to being tightened thereon.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Richard C. Kapes, Alfred A. Bien
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Patent number: 5580119Abstract: A door for automotive vehicles comprises an inner panel formed with a work opening in a position corresponding to a door pad. The work opening has a front edge positioned ahead of a front end of the door pad, a rear edge positioned behind a rear end of the door pad, and an upper edge positioned above an upper end of the door pad. The door pad has a lower edge inserted into a groove at the bottom of the door.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuyoshi Uchida, Kimie Matano, Hidetoshi Sokusai
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Patent number: 5573297Abstract: A vehicle door assembly including an outer contoured panel, an inner contoured panel, the panels being connected at their side and bottom edges, and a glass and regulator track assembly adapted to being assembled through the adjacent upper edges of the panels into the space between the panels and secured to the inner panel. A majority of the inner trim is molded integrally as the surface of the inner panel, with a separately applied trim element secured to the upper edge portion of the inner panel, and an arm rest secured to the inner panel at a central portion thereof. A side impact beam extends longitudinally between the outer and inner panels, and includes a longitudinally oriented mounting plate at its forward end and a laterally oriented mounting plate at its rear end for mounting on the inner panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Delbert D. DeRees, David J. Kowall
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Patent number: 5560152Abstract: A guide sleeve designed as a separate component is pushed onto the upper end of a guide rail of a drop window. This guide sleeve guides a window pane as soon as the window pane has almost reached its uppermost position. By means of an eccentric screw or other adjusting means, it is possible to adjust the position of the guide sleeve relative to the guide rail and thus to achieve the correct tension and position of the window pane in its final position.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Bernhard Haner
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Patent number: 5557890Abstract: The present invention relates to an automobile vehicle door trim assembly, comprising in one piece, obtained by moulding on an upright, at least one of the elements chosen from the group constituted by at least one lower sealing band forming mobile window scraper, a mobile window run channel, a peripheral seal possibly tightening on a fixed panel, a finishing coating for said upright, covers for the connections with elements added upon assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1993Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: TechnistanInventors: Claude Levy, Jean-Claude Smadja, Pierre Opman
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Patent number: 5555677Abstract: A vehicle door assembly including an outer contoured panel, an inner contoured panel, the panels being connected at their side and bottom edges, and a glass and regulator track assembly adapted to being assembled through the adjacent upper edges of the panels into the space between the panels and secured to the inner panel. A majority of the inner trim is molded integrally as the surface of the inner panel, with a separately applied trim element secured to the upper edge portion of the inner panel, and an arm rest secured to the inner panel at a central portion thereof. A side impact beam extends longitudinally between the outer and inner panels, and includes a longitudinally oriented, mounting plate at its forward end and a laterally oriented mounting plate at its rear end for mounting on the inner panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Delbert D. DeRees, David J. Kowall
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Patent number: 5553910Abstract: A device for reinforcing a passenger car door includes an inverted T-shaped upper reinforcing member positioned adjacent an outer door handle, and a lower impact beam which is horizontally disposed and parallel to the upper reinforcing member within a passenger car door for absorbing any impact to the passenger car door and preventing the passenger car door from twisting.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1995Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co.Inventor: Young H. Park
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Patent number: 5551746Abstract: A side window arrangement is disclosed which has main and auxiliary window cutouts which are separated from one another and are arranged one behind the other in the opening direction of the window, a window side pane having an opening which can be moved into the auxiliary window cutout. The auxiliary window cutout serves as a ventilation cutout located underneath the main window cutout. This arrangement contrasts with known side windows, which, when opened by a small gap to ventilate the vehicle internal space, causes the occupants of the vehicle to be adversely affected by air eddying occurring at head level and by aerodynamic noise. In the case of obliquely previously known arranged side windows, water enters when it is raining even if the windows are only opened slightly.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: Christopher Rhoades, Lucian Reindl, Harald Leschke
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Patent number: 5548930Abstract: A vehicle door equipment plate incorporating the window winder function and at least one other function is characterized in that it is built into a conventional door structure consisting of a press-formed shell having an outer metal panel connected to an inner metal panel provided with at least two openings separated by a strengthening metal sheet connecting piece placed substantially transversely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the door. One of the openings provides a passage for a window guide element integrated at one end of the equipment plate, the latter being made from moulded plastic.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Mecaplast SamInventor: Patrick Morando
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Patent number: 5542738Abstract: An automotive vehicle occupant compartment is bounded by an energy absorbing vehicle door including an outer panel, an inner panel joined to the outer panel and defining a space therebetween, a guard beam mounted longitudinally in the space, a trim panel mounted on an occupant compartment side of the inner panel and having a plurality of energy absorbing bolsters attached generally laterally adjacent the guard beam, and a load distribuler mounted in the space laterally between the guard beam and the energy absorbing bolsters for distributing a load imparted to the guard beam evenly across the energy absorbing bolsters so as to preserve the energy absorption bolsters in a substantially undeformed state prior to occupant contact with the door during a side impact type collision.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Lee A. Walker, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Geoffrey D. Fletcher, Daniel J. Dillman
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Patent number: 5535553Abstract: A door module including a one-piece plastic frame having a network of integrally molded structural elements and hardware mounting surfaces is provided that features easily accessible snap-fit serviceable components integrated into an efficient modular form.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Brian H. Staser, Danny W. Figlioli, Daniel H. Forrest
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Patent number: 5536060Abstract: A vehicle door is reinforced by an integral reinforcement panel that is fixed to and reinforces side portions of an inner door panel. The reinforcement panel has an outer periphery adjacent and preferably abutting the outer door panel and includes stiffening flutes. Preferably, abutting portions of the outer panel and the stiffening panel are bonded together to form reinforcing box sections. Alternatively, a support panel may abut inner surfaces of the reinforcement panel and is preferably bonded to valley portions of the stiffening flutes to form the reinforcing box sections. The reinforcement panel may replace an anti-intrusion beam and other components of a conventional vehicle door.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Moinuddin S. Rashid, Chongmin Kim
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Patent number: 5535571Abstract: A thermoplastic automotive interior trim panel of uniform wall thickness has an integral outwardly projecting storage pocket of complex curvature to which is added an extruded elastomeric thermoplastic edge molding to form a relatively large smooth rounded edge at the opening to the pocket. A top margin of the pocket is curved inward so that the pocket edge faces inward and the edge molding is held in place by internal ribs that snap onto locking tabs formed integral with the curved top pocket margin at locations spaced therealong. In one embodiment, the locking tabs are located on the sides of the top margin of the pocket at the pocket edge and the edge molding extends completely over this edge to be located thereby.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.Inventor: Lawrence R. Nichols
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Patent number: 5529370Abstract: A trim mounting assembly for automotive vehicles including a trim panel bracket mounted on one side of the trim panel opposite the interior of the vehicle and a support bracket mounted to an inner door panel opposite the trim panel bracket. The trim panel bracket includes a clip and a leg with the leg disposed spaced from the clip on the trim panel bracket. The support bracket includes a clip and leg with the leg disposed spaced from the clip on the support bracket. The clip and the leg on the support bracket are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the clip and the leg on the trim panel bracket such that the leg on a trim panel bracket is received in the clip of the support and the leg of the support bracket is received in the clip on the trim panel bracket to provide a direct load path for the trim panel to the inner door panel of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1995Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: David M. Veit
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Patent number: 5505024Abstract: A vehicle door assembly including an outer contoured panel, an inner contoured panel, the panels being connected at their side and bottom edges, and a glass and regulator track assembly adapted to being assembled through the adjacent upper edges of the panels into the space between the panels and secured to the inner panel. A majority of the inner trim is molded integrally as the surface of the inner panel, with a separately applied trim element secured to the upper edge portion of the inner panel, and an arm rest secured to the inner panel at a central portion thereof. A side impact beam extends longitudinally between the outer and inner panels, and includes a longitudinally oriented mounting plate at its forward end and a laterally oriented mounting plate at its rear end for mounting on the inner panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1993Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Delbert D. DeRees, David J. Kowall
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Patent number: 5495693Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a window movably mounted for vertical movement between a raised closed position and a lowered open position. The window includes a lower portion having a constant transverse curvature and an upper portion having an accelerated transverse curvature. The window includes a side edge. The window has a notch on the side edge of the upper portion of the window.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Roy F. Tiesler
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Patent number: 5481831Abstract: A vehicle door is constructed as a frame structure or as a shell body. The frame has at least one front and one rear frame section and an upper and a lower frame member respectively which are connected with each other. In the door constructed as a shell at least one outer section and one inner section are connected with each other to form the door body. At least one diagonal strut is provided in each door so that the diagonal strut is outwardly curved to distribute impact forces into load carrying points of the vehicle body or cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1993Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: YMOS Aktiengesellschaft IndustrieprodukteInventors: Gunther Heim, Bruno Kroll
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Patent number: 5482343Abstract: A vehicle door construction having an outer door panel and an inner door panel with a trim panel joined to the inner door panel by attachment hooks extending from the trim panel into hook openings in the inner door panel. A plastic water deflector sheet is positioned between the trim panel and the inner door panel. The deflector sheet has through apertures corresponding to the locations of the hook openings in the inner door panel. The sheet also has a portion adjacent each through aperture that is laterally deformed to extend through the associated hook opening and form an awning-like hood over the corresponding hook.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: The Excello Specialty CompanyInventor: William G. Bradac
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Patent number: 5469662Abstract: A vehicle door adapted to accommodate a vertically translating window pane includes an outer door panel and an inner door panel fixed to the outer panel and defining a void therebetween. The inner panel has two access openings to the void and a recessed pan portion extending into the void and separating the openings. The door inner panel also defines four approximately keyhole shaped apertures with one disposed above and below each of the two openings.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Jay T. TenBrink, Maryanne R. Farkas, Robert J. Vendt, Waine T. Brock
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Patent number: 5469668Abstract: A vehicle door, for example for a passenger car, has a frame structure with a forward frame section (2), at least one upper frame section (1A, 4), a rear frame section (3) and preferably also a lower frame section (5). A single window frame section forms a first window and guide member (9) is connected between the forward frame section (2) and upper frame section (1A) or to the upper frame section and to a junction between the forward and lower frame sections. A second window guide member (3A) forms an integral part of the rear frame section. The door frame and its frame sections and door components form a module. A window lifting and lowering device is supported and guided in the door frame structure. The first and second window guide members (9, 3A) are fully integrated into the frame structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: YMOS Aktiengesellschaft IndustrieprodukteInventors: Gunther Heim, Bruno Kroll
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Patent number: 5469664Abstract: A pivoting glass run channel provides the ability to pre-assemble the glass run channel to a door module in a position such that it does not interfere with insertion of the module into a vehicle door or assembly of other hardware components into the vehicle door. The pivoting glass run channel is pivotable to an operative position after mounting the module in the vehicle door.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Brian H. Staser, Danny W. Figlioli, Mark Manuel
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Patent number: 5454193Abstract: A design for a piece of glass by means of which the piece of glass, such as window glass, can be sturdily contact mated to an internal face of a frame or bay. As a result of the window edge shape, contact between the glass and housing is improved, undesirable ventilation is inhibited, lateral displacement is restrained, and rattling is prevented.The invention further concerns a system for mounting window glass in an automobile, a recreational vehicle or a building.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Inventor: Harold H. Hrifko
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Patent number: 5452545Abstract: An impact support for reinforcing a door of a motor vehicle, including a hollow profile part that is fastenable in the vehicle door. The hollow profile part having, at least in a central region thereof, a portion with a roughly oval cross section having a cross-sectional height that is greater than a cross-sectional depth. The hollow profile part is arranged in the motor vehicle door so that the depth lies parallel to an impact direction. The roughly oval cross section is formed by two straight sides which lie parallel at a distance from one another and are connected at their ends by a convex portion that has a radius that is always greater than half the distance between the two straight sides.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1993Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Mannesmann AktiengesellschaftInventors: Josef Siekmeyer, Ulrich Hoffmann
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Patent number: 5446999Abstract: A vehicle door assembly with a removable outside panel, including a flange on the outside panel bottom edge. The flange is folded towards the inside panel, and forms a V-shaped groove opening which opens in an upward direction. The inside panel bottom edge engages within this groove in a releasable manner, distributing the weight of the outside panel across the length of the bottom edge, eliminating the need for a cover member to attach the outside panel to.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1993Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., General Electric CompanyInventors: Koichi Inaba, Kensuke Uchida, Raymond F. Kolberg
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Patent number: 5433041Abstract: On a vehicle door, a preassembled operating panel, housed inside the hollow bottom portion of the door, presents door lock mechanisms,a device for regulating and guiding the sliding window of the door, and a central load-bearing element consisting at least partly of a portion of the window regulating device and having elements for connecting the operating panelto the door; the door lock mechanismsbeing fitted to the central load-bearing element.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1993Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Roltra Morse S.p.A.Inventor: Aldo Filippi